THOUSANDS have just one day left to claim an extra £400 to help with essential costs.
The support comes through the Household Support Fund, and the deadline is fast approaching.
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The free cash is coming from a £421million government cash pot made up to support struggling households.
Each council in England gets a share, deciding what the cash is used for, who gets it and when the deadline to apply is.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council offers those on low income a maximum £400, but the deadline to apply is tomorrow (Jan 31).
It’s important to note the overall deadline for the scheme is March 31, so your council’s fund may be open for a little longer.
The deadline for your area should be available on your local council website.
But you should also keep in mind these schemes run on a first come, first serve basis. So don’t waste any time if you could use the extra cash.
Who’s eligible?
To get £400, you must be living in the East Riding of Yorkshire Council area.
If you’re not sure who your local council is, you can use the council finder tool on the government website. You just need to type in your post code.
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Any single households should have an income of below £26,000, and couples or households with children should earn below £31,000.
You’ll also be considered for the grant if you or a person in your household suffers from a long-term medical condition.
The council says it has already paid out £400,000 to eligible households, so don’t miss out if you think you’re entitled to the cash.
Also keep in mind how much you get will probably depend on your circumstances, and £400 is the maximum amount you can claim.
How do I apply?
You’ll need to apply on the council website – there’s a form to fill in and submit.
Remember it may be a while before you’re accepted or hear back, so don’t worry if it takes a week or two.
It might be useful to have a recent bank statement, National Insurance number and proof of any benefits you receive to hand as well.
What if I don’t live in East Riding?
Your local council will likely have its own version of the scheme going and you should get in contact with them to find out more.
But don’t forget the March 31 deadline – and it’s first come, first serve.
For example, thousands of residents in Plymouth are due electronic vouchers to help pay for food and other essentials at supermarkets.
And eligible households can get up to £180 in free supermarket vouchers depending on their circumstances.
Thousands of residents in North Yorkshire are also due electronic supermarket vouchers worth up to £325.
More bill help
If you are not eligible for the Household Support Fund you might be able to get help through different means.
Lots of energy companies offer grants to customers who are struggling with bills, including British Gas, EDF and E.On.
In some cases, you might be able to get up to £1,500 worth of help, so it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible.
The best thing to do is contact your supplier to see what they have on offer.
Millions of households should be in the process of receiving the £400 energy rebate as well.
Two payments worth £66 were paid in October and November and a third of £67 in December.
The remaining three payments worth £66 will be paid this month, February and March.
Pensioners have also started getting a £300 one-off payment.
The current pensioner cost of living payment is being handed out to millions on a low income.
You qualify under the current rules if you normally get the winter fuel payment, but this could change under the new rules.
The £300 cost of living payment is paid on top of the other winter support.
You’ll need to be:
- born on or before 25 September 1956
- have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022 in what is known as the “qualifying week”
Struggling families are eligible for £150 as part of the Warm House Discount to help them tackle the cost of living.
Everything you need to know including who’s eligible is listed here.
